Now it its 28th year, the IFOA is a Toronto staple in terms of big events, and while it doesn't have the paparazzi appeal of the film festival, it does go a long way in terms of supporting authors both from Canada and abroad who might not get here otherwise. There's a lot of discussion in book circles about the power of the author reading. Are the effective? Should publishing companies continue to tour their authors in this digital age? What constitutes a good author event? For me, the IFOA has always been a highlight of my year, a festival geared to the book lover in everyone. Past appearances by John Irving, Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje go down in my life list of author events that actually changed my outlook on the written word in some way.

This year the festival's impressive international lineup includes appearances by Isabel Allende, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket himself), Emma Donoghue, Tracy Chevalier, the actor (now novelist) David Thewlis, Jasper Fforde, Amy Bloom, and Vendela Vida. Canadian authors in attendance include: D.R. MacDonald, Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Richard B. Wright, Will Ferguson, Elizabeth Hay, and Michael Winter. With a program that spans 10 days, there are so many good events that it might be necessary to pick and choose two or three to really get a good dose of what's evolving into the next classic in terms of international and homegrown literature.

For the most part, the evening events all follow the same formula, three or four authors, all themed in a way that makes sense, read for about twenty minutes, and then they sign books that you've handily bought during the intermission. As many of the authors don't do a lot of public events (Michael Ondaatje anyone) or have travelled a long way to get to Canada (like Helen Oyeyemi), it's kind of a once in a lifetime chance to see them and hear their words in their own voice, which always takes the story to another level in my mind.

Another particularly amazing coup would have to be the appearance of J.K. Rowling at the Young IFOA festival this year. Anticipating the fevered rush for available seats, tickets are available to be won through ballots only. Considering the very last book in the series was published this past summer, it might be a once in a lifetime chance to see the grand dame of children's lit read from her masterpiece.

Not to be outdone by just having regular readings, there are a number of celebrations that accompany the festival. On Saturday, October 20, join Margaret Atwood, Graeme Gibson, Shani Mootoo and others to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the House of Anansi at the Premiere Dance Theatre. If literary awards is your thing, be sure and pencil in the Governor General's Literary Award Finalists (English fiction) on October 22 and reading by all five Giller short listers will close out the IFOA on Saturday October 27th at 8:00pm.

With a little something for anyone, from kids to grandparents and everyone in between, the ten-day 2007 IFOA is the highlight of anyone's literary calendar.

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